Bouchard's return gives Richards hope

Pierre-Marc Bouchard played his first game since Oct. 3, 2009, on Wednesday. That he finished minus-2, with one shot, in 14 minutes, 4 seconds was beside the point for coach Todd Richards.

Bouchard's presence gave him hope.

"I would believe he can only get better from this point," Richards said. "He made some great plays out on the ice, finding men. He set Marty (Havlat) up perfectly in the third period there, and he's able to buy time and make plays.

"Once he becomes more confident, more comfortable, he'll help us five on five, and he'll certainly help us on the power play."

Bouchard finished the game on a line with Havlat on the right wing and Kyle Brodziak at center, a combination Richards might stick with.

"I like the idea of Pierre playing with Marty, and I think they like that idea, too," the coach said. "They both think along the same lines offensively; they both see the ice, they're both good at making those little passes, those give-and-go's that you have to make in today's game."

Said Bouchard, "It's just the first game, but I think we'll be able to create more chances if we create some chemistry."

Briefly: Winger Chuck Kobasew missed his 13th straight game. He's been out since suffering a groin strain on Nov. 2.

"He's getting closer," Richards said. "He's missed about a month. I think he's getting to the point where he feels he wants to go, but we have to get him in some practices.

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Jose Theodore was in goal, playing consecutive games for the first time since joining the Wild on Oct. 7. Top goaltender Niklas Backstrom has given up 18 goals in his past three starts.